Join the Party!

These election tickets from the 1840s reflect the changing nature of political parties during that era. William Tharp is listed on two tickets as a gubernatorial candidate with two different political parties.

Join the Party! CD#10/#92

William Tharp ran for the state senate in 1838 and 1842 and won. He lost his run for governor in 1844, but had success four years later as a Democrat with a General Assembly controlled by Whigs. William Tharp’s grandson, William Tharp Watson, become governor at the end of the 19th century.

The ballots are part of the General Reference Collection. This collection contains diverse subjects relating to topics and people that would be useful in interpreting Delaware history. Some of the records include personal papers, correspondence, histories on individuals, places and historic houses, records from companies, societies and events.